Possibilities for Estonian local government public health specialists to pursue continuing education

Abstract Public health specialists (PHS) in the local government often work part-time and many of them lack occupational education. The main task of specialists responsible for public health often involves other work areas. Continuing education programs are available for PHS, but there is no overview of how well programs meet their needs and challenges. Also, the possibility and feasibility of combining study and work, is unknown. Study explored, how different factors support or hinder the integration of study activities and work. For creating the sample, the Estonian local governments were categories in subgroups based on municipality size, status of health profile strategic document, PHS employment and educational background. Semi structured interviews (10 + 9) were conducted with leaders and practitioners in 2022-2023. Qualitative content analysis was used. Results indicate that both positions find encouraging factor to study while working at the same time, if learner perceives the necessity and links with everyday work and sees an opportunity to apply the information, contacts or experience into practice among specialist's main work. The list of mentioned supportive factors were motivation, will, time resource, support from family and employer, bonuses, recognize from leader, study leave, convenient location and flexibility of studies, possibility of absence, online/hybrid version. As hindering factors highlighted lack of time management skills, education as obligatory requirement and when it's not flexible, it becomes unlikely to pursue studying. In conclusion supporting public health workforce (including health promoters) occupational training and professional development is the key component to achieve public health goals effectively and efficiently. Education is an important prerequisite and necessary to reach using systematic approaches in the field of public health by competent employees. Key messages • Most public health specialists are willing to study while working, if the studies meet their conditions (e.g. flexibility, alignment with daily work, common tasks as motivating and unifying aspect). • The presence of motivation and time resource, as well as the ability to plan it, were noted as influencing factors the combining study and work.